Grégory Bourdy continued to dominate proceedings at the Lyoness Open Powered by Greenfinity as the Frenchman opened up a five shot clubhouse lead midway through the second round.
The four-time European Tour winner held a two shot overnight lead after a flawless opening 65 at Diamond Country Club, and added a second round 67 to reach 12 under par at the halfway stage.
The 33 year old, whose most recent victory came in Wales a couple of years ago, did most of his work on the back nine after starting at the tenth.
Birdies at the tenth and 12th preceded a hat-trick of gains from the 16th as he raced clear, only for a first bogey of the week on the first to check his progress.
A fist-pump followed his 13th birdie of the week on the sixth after an outstanding tee shot to five feet, as Bourdy set an electric pace.
“It was a great day today – especially the way I started with five birdies on my front nine,” said Bourdy, who has now made an impressive 12 cuts from 14 starts this season.
“Unfortunately I bogeyed my tenth hole but five under around here is very good. I have been playing well so the confidence has been growing, probably since the Spanish Open but I have been playing well all year – it was just a case of putting it all together.
“It’s always nice to be leading a tournament and that is why we practice so hard: to compete and to win events so hopefully I can get a win this week but I have to stay focussed and play shot by shot and see where it takes me on Sunday.”
Spaniards Rafa Cabrera-Bello and Carlos Pigem – the former playing with Bourdy – were the nearest challengers on seven under after rounds of 68 and 65 respectively.
